Atlantic County surrogate faces suspension

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey’s Supreme Court has ordered Atlantic County’s surrogate suspended without pay for two months for hosting a political fundraiser and for driving while intoxicated.

The suspension, which begins Jan. 1, applies to James Curcio’s judicial duties and not his administrative duties. Atlantic County freeholders will determine how much to withhold from his nearly $92,000 salary.

The court also ordered Curcio to continue to participate in programs to address his alcoholism after he pleaded guilty to his second DWI in two years in 2012.

The Advisory Committee on Judicial Conduct found Curcio violated several rules that promote integrity and impartiality.